Standoff looms in Ba transfer

Rebel Hoffenheim striker Demba Ba has his heart set on a move to England, but his Bundesliga club has vowed not sell him.

The Senegal international has been heavily linked with English Premier League strugglers West Ham, and tried to take matters into his own hands by refusing to join Hoffenheim’s European winter camp in Spain.

Ba has a history of petulance, stating that he would never play for the club again in 2009 amid interest from Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart.

The 25-year-old forward, who has nine goals to his name in all competitions this season, defended his actions to Sky Sports on Thursday.

“All I know is my ambition is to play in the Premier League,” he said.

“If there is an opportunity I should take it and the club knows that.”

But any Ba move during the January transfer window is likely to be resisted by Hoffenheim, who will launch legal action if the player does not return to club duties.

“I have told him to expect legal action,” Hoffenheim general manager Ernst Tanner said on the club’s website.

“He will be fined and have his contract terminated, but he will not be able to play for any other club.”

“We have already had this situation with Demba Ba wanting to get away at all costs. The way the player has tried for a second time to put pressure on his employers must be a first in the Bundesliga.”

“Demba’s behaviour will certainly have consequences. This approach to his employers, but also to his team-mates cannot be tolerated.”